Windows 7 - Open File - Security Warning : Unblock File

Brink

How to Unblock a File to Stop the "Open File - Security Warning" Prompt for the File

Information

This will show you how to unblock a file that you have downloaded or copied from the internet or another computer to your computer so you will not get the Open File - Security Warning prompt when you try to open or run the file anymore.

The Open File - Security Warning prompt is a security measure in Windows 7 and Vista to ask for your permission (like UAC) before allowing a downloaded or copied file from the internet or another computer to be opened or run on your computer.

EXAMPLE: Open File - Security Warning

Do you want to open this File? Unknown Publisher
The Publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software? Unknown Publisher
Do you want tio run this file? Application

OPTION ONE

To Unblock the File Through Properties Page

NOTE: This option can only be done when the file or folder is still in one of your C:\Users\(user-name) folder locations. For example, your Desktop or Downloads folder. If it's not, then you will need to move the file to this location first, unblock it, then move it back.

1. Right click on the file, and click on Properties.

2. Under the General tab, click on the Unblock button and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you do not see a Unblock button, then the file is already unblocked.

3. You will now no longer get a Open File - Security Warning prompt when you try to open or run this specific file.

OPTION TWO

To Unblock the File When you Open or Run it

NOTE: This option will unblock the file no matter where it's located.

1. Try to Open or Run the file to trigger the Open File - Security Warning prompt.

2. In the Open File - Security Warning prompt, uncheck the Always ask before opening this file box, then click on either the Open or Run button. (see screenshots below)

3. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (Windows 7) or Continue (Vista), or enter the administrator's password (standard user).
NOTE: You will only be prompted by UAC if the file is not in one of the C:\Users\(user-name) folder locations, and in a system folder (ex: C:\Windows) instead.

4. The file will now open or run, and you will now no longer get a Open File - Security Warning prompt when you try to open or run this specific file next time.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

maciacia1 · 06-16-2011

you could also just simply disable the UAC by just typin uac in start menu search thing simple as

Brink · 06-16-2011

Hello Maciacia,

Yes, you could just turn off UAC, but this shows you how to stop this warning message for a file without disabling UAC protection for the entire computer.

Mikke · 06-23-2011

Hello!

I've got the same problem, but my dialog do not have the tick-box saying "Always ask before opening this file", nor do I have the button saying "Unblock" in the file properties dialog. What can I do?

Brink · 06-23-2011

Hello Mikke, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Could you post a screenshot of what you are getting?

In addition, what file is this for, and what is it's location?

Mikke · 06-23-2011

Hello!

In this case it is shortcut on desktop for photoshop CS4.

Brink · 06-23-2011

Right click on the shortcut, and click on Properties, Shortcut tab, Open file Location button. Next, check that program's exe file to see if it's unblocked.

If the exe file is still unblocked after you unblocked it and checked again, then move the file to the desktop, unblock it at this location, and move it back.

Mikke · 06-23-2011

I've tried that now, but don't see the "Unblock"-button in either case,

Brink · 06-23-2011

Um, ok. Give this a try to see if it may help. It will reset the Internet Security Zone settings back to default.

Open a elevated command prompt (right click - Run as administrator)
Copy and paste the comand below and press Enter.

Code:

reg delete "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones" /f

Close the command prompt, and restart the computer to apply.

Mikke · 06-24-2011

Hello!

I've run the reg delete.
Sorry, no changes in either of the above methodes.

Windows 7 - Open File - Security Warning : Unblock File

Open File - Security Warning : Unblock File

Open File - Security Warning : Unblock File problems?